Florida football is right around the corner, with fall camp set to begin on Aug. 5. Gator Country’s roster preview series continues with a look at the inside linebacker room. If you missed it, be sure to check out our offensive line preview.
The Gators’ linebacker room returns eight players from last year’s roster, including its three leading contributors, who combined for 1,581 snaps last season. The group also added one transfer and one high school signee.
It’s a talented, experienced group with proven production, but it still feels like there’s another level it can reach. Let’s break it down.
Jr. Myles Graham
Myles Graham is back in Gainesville for his junior season after starting every game a year ago and leading Florida’s linebacker unit with 618 snaps. He led the Gators with 76 tackles (36 solo), becoming the first UF linebacker to lead the team in tackles since 2021. Graham added two sacks, seven tackles for loss, and four pass breakups in coverage, which tied for the second most among FBS linebackers.
Graham was one of four SEC players to record at least 75 tackles and 7.0 tackles for loss during the regular season. His run defense grade of 79.0 ranked second on Florida’s defense behind Devin Moore, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 6’1, 225-pound linebacker is the leader of the defense and a calming presence on the field. He’s instinctual, plays downhill with aggression, and has shown the athleticism to make an impact in coverage.
Sr. Jaden Robinson
Jaden Robinson is back for his senior season as the most experienced linebacker on Florida’s roster, entering the year with nearly 1,000 career snaps under his belt. In 2025, Robinson recorded 50 tackles (28 solo), four tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups. His four quarterback hurries were tied for the third most on the team with George Gumbs Jr., while his three pass breakups ranked third among Gators defenders.
Robinson has never received the same attention as Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles, but he could be in line for a breakout senior season. Sources told Gator Country that he had a strong offseason and consistently made big plays. Linebackers coach Greg Gasparato also named him a standout in coverage during the spring. Florida’s staff believes his versatility gives him the ability to play both Sam and Will linebacker.
Jr. Aaron Chiles
Aaron Chiles rounds out Florida’s three-headed linebacker core and may be the player with the most upside. In 12 games last season, Chiles recorded 52 tackles, two quarterback hurries, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and a pass breakup across 472 snaps.
Chiles is known for his freakish weight room numbers, but he focused on leaning out this offseason. He now weighs 238 pounds, down eight pounds from last year, and is at his leanest since arriving at Florida. During Rusty Whitt’s offseason strength and conditioning program, The Gauntlet, Chiles was only defeated by Jadan Baugh. He also squatted 500 pounds for two reps.
The Maryland native feels more explosive with his first step and more comfortable in coverage. Gasparato said he has come a long way in understanding coverage concepts.
So. Myles Johnson
Johnson played in all 12 games last season, primarily contributing on special teams, while recording just 17 defensive snaps across two games. He finished the year with five tackles, including four in Florida’s season opener against LIU.
Johnson was an undersized linebacker last season, but his speed was evident as he is widely regarded as the fastest linebacker on the team. He looks noticeably bigger this year, last weighing in at 239 pounds.
Gasparato said Johnson made the most progress of any player in the linebacker room during spring camp. Johnson is athletically gifted, which allows him to excel in coverage.
So. Ty Jackson
Ty Jackson saw action in eight games last season, primarily contributing on special teams. The 6’2, 225-pound linebacker is another player on the roster with legitimate speed and athleticism.
While evaluating Jackson last season, it was clear the game was moving too quickly for him, which is not uncommon for a first-year player adjusting to the demands of college football. As he gains more experience and the game begins to slow down, Jackson has the potential to become a valuable piece in the SEC. He’s lean, athletic, and possesses a powerful upper body that gives him the physical tools to succeed.
Fr. Malik Morris
Florida welcomed freshman Malik Morris to campus during the spring, a four-star recruit from Lakeland, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Morris weighed 261 pounds ahead of spring camp but dropped 11 pounds of fat by the end of the offseason, according to Gasparato.
It’s difficult to project Morris playing a significant role as a freshman in a loaded linebacker room at a demanding position, but he was a productive, physical, and violent high school player. In 2024, Morris recorded 95 tackles, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles while earning The Ledger’s All-County Defensive Player of the Year award.
R-Sr. TJ Bullard
Florida’s lone transfer addition at linebacker was UCF’s TJ Bullard. As a redshirt junior in 2025, Bullard appeared in 10 games for the Knights, primarily in a special teams role. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound linebacker recorded two tackles on the season, including 0.5 tackles for loss against North Carolina on Sept. 20.
I expect Bullard to primarily contribute on special teams at Florida, where his speed was on display during spring practices. He consistently received praise for his work as a gunner.
Others: Florida also has walk-ons/preferred walk-ons Dylan Leighton, Evan Jackson, and Matthew Kade.
Final thoughts
Florida’s linebacker room is the strength of the defense. It has the most experience and production of any position group on that side of the ball. It will be interesting to see how the Gators manage the weapons they have at linebacker through different formations and defensive packages.